THE Chief of Navy has decided to strip a commanding officer of his command and administratively sanctioned another, after investigating how Australian crews entered Indonesian waters during asylum seeker operations.

Vice Admiral Ray Griggs has considered the actions of the seven RAN ship commanding officers involved in the six breaches between December last year and January 2014, with each given the chance to put their case directly to the chief.

He accepted that none of them deliberately contravened orders, but there were lapses in professional conduct.

As a result, one will be removed from his command and another will be administratively sanctioned.

In hot water ...HMAS Stuart (pictured) and HMAS Parramatta were responsible for four breaSource:News Limited

The remaining commanding officers will be formally or informally counselled, Defence said.

“Each of the commanding officers conducted these activities with the best of intent; however, I expect nothing but the highest standards of those in command,” Vice Admiral Griggs said.

“These actions are not punitive in nature but are aimed solely at upholding the professional standards that the Royal Australian Navy is renowned for and that are necessary for it to undertake its mission.”

“I think it is a healthy sign for Navy’s leadership that all of the commanding officers involved have willingly accepted accountability for their own actions and that of their ship or ships under their control,” Vice Admiral Griggs added.

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